History BA (Hons)

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map of the historical chester walls

Available with:

  • Foundation Year

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Course Summary

Explore the past and prepare for your future with modules covering a thousand years of local, national and international history. With themes ranging from identity, race and ethnicity to politics and justice, from leisure and the landscape to war, conflict and social change, encompassing a wide variety of embedded skills. 

There has never been a more important time to study History and to think critically about the past. The past is contested, controversial and very much alive. Set within the historic environment of Chester, our exciting course offers not only an exploration of the past but also a gateway to your future.   

From Medieval to Modern, from local to global, we embrace a range of approaches including social, cultural and political history but also the study of material culture, digital humanities and the application of history in a practical context to help develop your employability prospects. Our inclusive curriculum means that you will challenge existing narratives about the past, and be encouraged to think critically about how and why these narratives have developed. You will also explore important themes and issues relating to race, diversity, gender, imperialism, conflict and climate change. Through the study of the past, we can make sense of our present and start to think about how to work together to shape our future.  Join our passionate team to start shaping your future.

Why You'll Love It

Study in the heart of a historical city

Living and working in the historic city of Chester, bordering North Wales and situated in North West England, you’ll be surrounded by connections to the Medieval, Early Modern and Modern periods, enriching your experience and providing opportunities for group field trips and individual exploration. You’ll soon realise that Chester, past and present, is a city with a global history.

people in the chester amphitheatre

Work as a professional historian

You’ll have the opportunity to work as a professional historian and produce material for public consumption. Our students have worked directly with history and heritage organisations, ranging from BBC History Magazine to the National Trust, to produce walking tours, historic pamphlets, websites and apps, and public exhibitions, and enhance their CV and employability prospects.

Skills for the future

You’ll learn in the classroom, online, on field trips and through links with local organisations. You’ll also develop and enhance skills valued by employers, including digital skills, critical thinking, oral and written communication, self-motivation and teamwork. You’ll work with original material from local, national and international archives, providing opportunities for outstanding work.

two students in a corridor with notebooks and bags

What Our Students Think

What You'll Study

The Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Foundation Year route offers you an important preparation year as part of your four-year degree.

For Law and Criminal Justice subjects, you will explore legal frameworks, criminal justice systems, wider social contexts and issues, as well as case scenarios, and research and problem solving in law and criminology. 

For Humanities and Social Science subjects, you will explore people and societies and their beliefs, cultures, power structures, stories and narratives, as well as critical inquiry into societal issues and global affairs with contemporary and historical perspectives.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

The BA History course contains core modules at each level of study whilst also giving students a chance to explore the past in both breadth and depth. Students will explore the past to allow them to prepare for their future through topics covering a thousand years of local, national and international history. Our inclusive curriculum means that students will challenge existing narratives about the past and will be encouraged to think critically about how and why these narratives have developed. Students will also explore important themes and issues relating to race, diversity, gender, imperialism, conflict and climate change. Through the study of the past, we can make sense of our present and start to think about how to work together to shape our future.

In Year 1 (Level 4), students are introduced to global historical events, are given the opportunity to explore historical debates and are also exposed to key themes in Medieval, Early Modern and Contemporary History.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Year 2 (Level 5) builds on this foundation through more complex learning. You will consider the uses and abuses of History in the past, focus on more specific regions, events or periods, consider the role of History in the workplace, and conduct project work with external partners.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

In Year 3 (Level 6) you will immerse yourself in Special Subjects which focus on particular historical issues, and relevant primary source material, in greater depth. You will also undertake a dissertation, supported by a supervisor, on a research topic of your own choice.

The course contains several optional modules which may run depending on the availability of staff expertise and the viability of cohorts. Where available, these options provide students with the opportunity to undertake study in particular areas of interest.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How You'll Learn

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The majority of teaching takes place in small groups, seminars and tutorials

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You will be assessed in a variety of ways

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This course is designed around in-person study

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There may be some online learning activities

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will study 40 credits comprising either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately six and 10 hours per week depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught.

The vast majority of teaching will be in small groups, in seminars and tutorials, but you will also get the chance to meet everyone in your year in large lectures for the core modules. When possible we will also take you out on field trips to historic locations or heritage sites for ‘hands-on’ learning. You will also undertake some structured activities online, allowing you to make the best use of your independent study time whilst developing essential digital skills.

Teaching will be delivered by experience academics in the field. This will be supplemented by talks by practitioners and occasional guest lecturers.

You will be assessed through a wide range of coursework methods, all of which are designed not only to test your understanding of history but also to allow you to develop and demonstrate skills that are essential for success after university. These may include essays, source analyses, literature reviews and oral presentations, but also reflective exercises, digital assignments including video essays and other digital media, poster presentations and portfolios. We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare students for graduate level employment. There are no exams on our History course. 

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core – building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

112 points

GCE A Level 

Typical offer – BCC-BBC

We require one of the following subjects: History or a suitable alternative such as Classical Civilisation, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Government and Politics, Sociology or Law.

BTEC 

BTEC Extended Diploma: History or a suitable alternative such as Classical Civilisation, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Government & Politics, Sociology or Law. Typical offer – DMM (can only be considered in combination with one of the A Levels listed above)

International Baccalaureate

28 points (including 5 in HL History, or a suitable alternative such as English, Philosophy or Social and Cultural Anthropology)

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers – H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 (including H3 in History, or a suitable alternative such as English, Politics & Society or RE)

Scottish Highers – BBBB (including History, or a suitable alternative such as English or Religious Studies)

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma to include 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above. Must include 15 Level 3 credits in History or a suitable alternative such as Classical Civilisation, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Government & Politics, Sociology or Law.

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. 

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A Level 

72 points overall, including grade D in A level

The Department require one of the following subjects: History or a suitable alternative such as Classical Civilisation, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Government and Politics, Sociology or Law.

BTEC 

BTEC Extended Diploma: History or a suitable alternative such as Classical Civilisation, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Government & Politics, Sociology or Law. Typical offer – MMP (Can only be considered in combination with one of the A levels listed above)

International Baccalaureate

24 points (including 4 in HL History, or a suitable alternative such as English, Philosophy or Social and Cultural Anthropology)

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers – H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 (including History, or a suitable alternative such as English, Politics & Society or RE)

Scottish Highers – CCDD (including History, or a suitable alternative such as English or Religious Studies)

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma – Pass Overall (including History or one of the alternative subjects above)

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. 

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

In November 2024, as part of the government’s Autumn Budget, it was confirmed that some foundation years from September 2025 will have a fee of £5,760 for the first foundation year of a four-year course. This is mainly for courses in the Humanities, Business, and Social Sciences disciplines. The following three years of these courses will be the standard fee of £9,535 per annum.

  Foundation (First) Year Second Year onwards per year
Home Students £5,760 for the first foundation year (2025/26) £9,535 per year from the second year onwards (2025/26)
International Students * £10,750 for the first foundation year (2025/26) £14,450 per year from the second year onwards (2025/26)

* For courses which accept applications from International Students

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Explore the History of Chester

Chester's Legacies of Empire

Chester's Legacies of Empire

An International City: Chester in the Middle Ages

An International City: Chester in the Middle Ages

Viking Age Chester

Viking Age Chester

Roman Chester: Deva Victrix

Roman Chester: Deva Victrix

The Great Siege of Chester

The Great Siege of Chester

Who You'll Learn From

Dr Kara Critchell

Senior Lecturer in History; Programme Leader BA History
Kara Critchell

Prof Tim Grady

Professor of History; Programme Leader MRes History, MA History & MA War, Conflict and Society
Prof Tim Grady

Dr Hannah Ewence

Head of Humanities, Cultures and Environment
Hannah Ewence

Dr Thomas Pickles

Senior Lecturer in Medieval History
Dr Thomas Pickles

Dr Katherine Wilson

Associate Professor of Later Medieval European History
Dr Katherine Wilson

Prof Peter Gaunt

Professor of History
Prof Peter Gaunt

Dr Rebecca Andrew

Senior Lecturer in History
Dr Rebecca Andrew

Dr David Harry

Deputy Head of Department; Senior Lecturer in History
Dr David Harry

Dr Donna Jackson

Senior Lecturer in American History; Assessment Contact – History and Archaeology; Academic Integrity Contact – History; CAID Affiliate
Donna Jackson

Dr Jonathan Worton

Lecturer
Dr Jonathan Worton

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

History graduates from Chester have pursued a wide range of careers reflecting the excellent transferable skills offered by a History degree, including, amongst many others, careers in teaching, law, the civil service, publishing, business, IT and research. 

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extracurricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

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